If you are new to a studio, you may be wondering why some studios have dress codes.
You may be wondering if a dress code is even needed.
This article will explore the pros and cons of dance studio dress codes. You may then make an informed decision about your dance clothes.
As a general rule, dance studio dress codes are used to promote cohesiveness, correct movement feedback, discipline, focus, confidence, and dancer identity. The potential downsides of dress codes include financial loss, unwanted control, creativity/fun suppression, and a loss of comfort.
The following paragraphs explore these concepts in greater detail. This will enable you to be sure that what a studio wants you or your child to wear is reasonable.
Before details are delved into, it is important to cover what is meant by dress codes.
A correct dress code is a set of clothing principles that vary widely as to their rules.
Now, it is possible to dress correctly for a dance, but not meet the dress code. For this reason, dress codes need to be treated with caution so that they do not overreach their practical purpose.
Also, note that dress codes can cover a variety of age groups with differing levels of purpose.
A dance class for young children will usually have a dress code to assist in keeping the children focused. However, a dance class for an adult ballet class might have a dress code to maintain its reputation for excellence.
1. Pros of dance studio dress codes: Why are dance dress codes important?
Outlined below are the reasons why dance studio dress codes can be useful.
Cohesiveness:
Dance studio dress codes may make people feel more comfortable. The reason for this is that no one’s fashion choice is better or worse than the next person.
In younger dance classes, this can reduce bullying/gossiping/exclusion from groups.
It also may make dancers feel like they are part of a strong unit. Instead of a random group of people.
This can be important for dances that rely on synchronization and teamwork.
This is similar to why military forces have uniforms.
Ask yourself if the students look as if they are gaining a cohesive benefit from the uniform. To do this you can phone the studio and ask if you can sit in on a class.
Safety:
Some dances can be more injury-prone than others or may have specialized footwear/clothing to aid in correct movement.
Ballet in particular has pointe shoes that have additional support for the toes.
Ballroom shoes have slippery soles so that dancers can spin with reduced stress on the foot, ankle, and knee.
Having a dress code may be a more safe option for a studio, which may reduce liability to a studio.
Ask yourself if there is a safety issue that the studio is trying to address with a dress code.
Also, see if the studio has a disclaimer form, then that shows that they are serious about liability. You can phone the studio and ask for a copy of the disclaimer/application form.
This way you can browse the form in comfort as opposed to quickly signing a form at the counter whilst under pressure.
Discipline:
Having a dress code can promote discipline.
The reason for this is that forcing ourselves to stick to something is a habit-forming activity. Being able to create habits on purpose is a useful tool in life.
The elite sports psychologist Simon Marshal has said that habits are greater than willpower.
What he means is that regular triggers are reliable. Motivation is notoriously unreliable.
For example, this could be a gym bag at the door for working out. Runners in the car for running training. Or a dance uniform for dancing.
Consider if the students look disciplined, or are they merely wearing the right clothes but remain unfocussed? In which case this might be a teacher issue.
Distractions:
A dress code may reduce distractions.
Choosing the right clothes to wear is something people spend a fair bit of time on in their lives. By having a uniform/dress code, this choice is reduced.
We then no longer have to worry about what shoes go with those pants. Or how should we wear our hair, etc.
When clothing distractions are reduced, the dance itself becomes the focus, not the fashion.
In an activity such as dance which is half psychological/emotional in nature, focus can be a valuable commodity.
Having a dress code may also prevent issues of modesty (both for and against). This can be particularly important for kids.
Dancer identity:
Sometimes our imaginations can be anchored by our everyday surroundings, including our clothes. Often times a change in our surroundings, can enable us to free our imagination.
So wearing a certain set of clothes can enable dancers to explore other identities besides their normal identities.
This is similar to when superman puts on his cape to become someone completely different from Clark Kent.
Feedback:
Having a dress code can assist with feedback. The reason for this is twofold.
- In dances such as ballet, tight clothing can assist the teacher with identifying correct and incorrect form.
- A dress code presents the teacher with people wearing similar clothes. This means it’s easier to spot incorrect form instead of individual clothing choices complicating the matter.
Confidence/focus/motivation:
Frequently, when we dress the part for an activity, we feel more confident, motivated, and focused.
Getting dressed in the correct clothes for an activity starts the focus process. The reason is that we are engaging in something which is dedicated specifically to one activity.
Often times the more aspects we can dedicate to one activity, the more focussed and motivated we can be to do that activity.
Think of how easy it is to do work in your place of work, but when you try and do that same work at home, it tends to be much harder.
The reason for this is that:
When we do all of the things required to get ready for work, we are actually getting mentally prepared for the work itself.
When we arrive at work, because we have done so much preparation, working comes relatively easy. This principle is the same for dancing and dance clothes.
This also assists with getting ready for performances.
Also, if a dancer looks like a dancer with the correct attire, then they can often start to feel like a dancer and their dancing can improve.
2. Cons of dance studio dress codes: When do dance dress codes lack importance?
Financial gain:
Sometimes dance studios are run more as a money-making scheme and less like a place for the love of dance.
A suspicious move is when studios have a dress code that can only be fulfilled by purchasing clothes only sold by the studio (usually studio branded). This can be a giveaway that the studio may not have your best interests at heart.
Another issue is that the studio may not reveal that you are being forced to pay for studio clothes until after you have enrolled.
It is best to ask how much and where you can purchase the clothes required for the dress code ahead of time. Otherwise, you may be further committing yourself financially to a studio down the track.
Unwanted control:
Dress codes can sometimes feel as though your freedom is being taken away from you. This may make dancers feel like they are being controlled, which nobody likes, particularly around somewhat irrelevant issues such as the color of tights.
A good question to ask yourself is: Do the dress code requirements fit the class type?
For example, is it a laid-back casual type class that is highly strict with clothing? If so, this could indicate a dress code that is unreasonable.
Alternatively, if it is a high-performing class for a specialized dance such as ballet, then a more formal dress code can be warranted.
To gain some insight into what each dance class type may require for clothing, have a read of the article What To Wear To Each Dance Class: Inspired by professional dancers. This article will give you a solid understanding of the practical purpose of why each dance has different clothing types.
Suppressing fun/creativity/expression:
There is a fine line between reasonable rules which have a purpose and too many rules which make an activity not fun, particularly for something creative/expressive such as dancing.
Call the studio and ask if you can sit in on a class or perhaps do a trial class and see how you feel.
You may have to use your gut instinct here. If you get the sense that the studio is focusing too much on rules, and not enough on enjoyment, then try another studio.
Comfort:
Whilst a dance studio may have reasons for wanting a certain dress code, it has to be said that some people are more comfortable in certain clothes than others.
This is a personal preference, as we are all different with individual bodies which are unique. A good question to ask yourself is, am I (or my child) being REASONABLY allowed to present my best self physically?
There are degrees of comfort as well. If you absolutely hate ballet flats and the studio is asking you to wear them, then perhaps try another studio. However, if ballet flats are just not your favorite but it’s not a big deal, then give the class a go.
Another thing to pay attention to is injuries.
If the dress code is causing some issue in your body, then listen to your body. This would usually be a shoe choice, as this is where many injuries can occur.
One thing you can do is if you are wearing something different from what you usually wear, try taking it easy for a few classes so your body has a chance to get used to the new clothes/shoes, and gradually build up your dance intensity.
3. Weighing up the pros and cons:
So at this point, you will have hopefully have spent some time weighing up the pros and cons of a studio dress code.
There may be numerous thoughts running through your head and it can be hard to make up your mind whether you are comfortable with a studio’s dress code.
A useful technique is to try and identify what it is that is bothering you the most.
Once you have done this, you can see if there is anything that can be done to either workaround or make this issue less of an issue.
An example might be that a studio dress code requires wearing ballet flats.
- The issue for you might be that ballet flats cause you discomfort.
- A workaround might be asking the studio if it’s okay if you wear foot thongs as they are more comfortable to you.
- Alternatively if there is no workaround then consider if you are willing to compromise on this issue.
- If you are not willing to compromise or the studio cannot assist with a workaround then trying another studio might be the best way to go.
By reading this article you will be able to approach studio dress code rules with an informed mind and confidently accept, reject or tailor the dress code so you comfortably enjoy dancing.